Jain Journal 2002 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 18

BRAHMESHANANDA: THE IDEAL OF SERVICE IN JAINISM
183
The ten recipients of service are: (1) acarya, or the head of the religious congregation, (2) upadhyaya or the expounder of the scriptures, (3) sthavira or a senior worker, (4) an ascetic, (5) a student or a young monk, (6) a sick monk, (7) the Sangha or the religious order, (8) the kula or the section to which one belongs, (9) the gana or a group of three monks, and (10) one's co-religionist or any virtuous person.9
The ways in which service can be performed are: (1) by offering pure food and drink, (2) by supplying a plank for sleeping or a seat for sitting, (3) by supplying medicines or applying medicine to some part (like putting eyedrops into the eyes). (4) by carefully scrutinizing (pratilekhana) the belongings of the monks or the path to be traversed by them, so that no insects are injured, (5) by carrying the belongings of monks while they are travelling on foot or by providing rest to those who are tired while walking, (6) by massaging the feet of monks, (7) by protecting monks if they are harrassed by the ruler, thieves, dacoits, and wild animals, (8) by helping monks to cross a river or to leave an area affected by famine or epidemic and go to a more congenial place, (9) by removing the excreta of sick, old and infirm monks, or (10) to help them turn on sides or sit up, etc. 10
Service is highly extolled and is classed of an internal austerity because, although it does not outwardly appear as an austerity, it purifies the mind and greatly helps in expiating the past karmas. It helps both the server and the served and cements the bond of monastic brotherhood. It is an expression of one's love for the teachings of the Jina and for the Sangha (pravacana-vātsalya). It is a means to the attaining of faith, devotion and even samadhi. In merit, service is equivalent to worship, pilgrimage and austerity. It helps one to reattain the state of faith if one has slipped from it.11 He who, inspite of being able, does not engage in service, strays away from the path, goes against the teaching of the Jina, and may ultimately leave the faith or the Sangha. 12
Service is even higher than svädhyāya or study of scriptures which is another internal austerity. A monk who engages in study alone and does not serve, helps only himself and will have to seek the help of one
9. Tattvartha Sutra, 9.24.
10. Samana Suttam, verses 473-74.
11. Jainendra Siddhanta Kosha, 3:614.
12. Ibid.